Sunrise program honors National American Indian Month

Monday

Nov 26, 2012 at 1:00 PM

On Thursday, Nov. 29, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site will observe the 148th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre with a sunrise program at the site.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site will observe the 148th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre with a sunrise program at the site. The event will honor LaForce (Lee) Lonebear or Hawk Walking. Lonebear passed away Sept. 8, 2011.

Lee's compassion for those who suffered during the massacre led him to become an active supporter and participant in the annual Sand Creek Massacre Spiritual Healing Run as well as a member of the Northern Cheyenne Sand Creek Committee. Mr. Lonebear was among those who spoke at congressional hearings which preceded the official authorization of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.

Mr. Lonebear's commitment to Cheyenne traditions was reflected by his status as a Sundance Priest, Medicine Arrow Priest, and Piercing Man. Lee's strong ties to Cheyenne ways can be traced his great-great-grandfather, Cheyenne Chief White Antelope, who was killed at the Sand Creek Massacre.

The sunrise event will also provide a brief historic background to Chief White Antelope. The Chief was among the most influential men on Colorado plains when he died.

The event, which is also commemorating American Indian Heritage Month, will begin at 7 a.m. All activities will be held near the stone monument at the site's overlook area.

For additional information, contact the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site at (719) 438-5916 or (719) 729-3003.